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The findings highlight both interesting trends and some causes for concern

FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 12, 2018 -- Much like ancient artifacts or fossil remains, analyzing Google searches can provide a wealth of insight into a particular group of people at a particular time. Many studies have been conducted to analyze what Americans search for with regards to various topics ranging from pop culture events to Halloween costumes. However, an important topic has been overlooked, until now. Roughly 85% of Americans use a car to get to work every day and every American relies on vehicles for the transportation of goods. Thus, road safety is something that touches us all.

What aspects of road safety do drivers really care about? Does interest for various road safety topics vary by state? Patterson Law Group conducted a study to learn just that.

The firm put together a map of what each state Googles more than any other state with regards to road safety. To find the results, the firm initially compiled over 100 road safety and road behavior topics. The topics were then run through Google Trends to see which states searched for the topics the most. Some of the results were expected, but others were surprising, and somewhat alarming.

The tires are the only thing between the vehicle and the road. When they are properly inflated and in good condition, the handling, stability and safety of the vehicle will be maximized. Conversely, when the tires are under inflated, worn out or damaged, all of the safety systems on the vehicle cannot overcome the loss of control that comes with a blow-out or hydroplaning situation. Air pressure in a tire is like oil in an engine; when it is low, the resulting internal damage is unseen until it is too late. Tires naturally lose 1-2 psi per month, so ongoing neglect will eventually result in a tire that cannot support the weight of the vehicle and the occupants. When this happens, the resulting blow-out can result in the loss of control and an accident.

It’s also important to rotate the tires on the vehicle every 5-7,000 miles. Today’s front-wheel-drive vehicles cause the steer tires to wear at a much faster rate than the tires on the rear axle. By periodically rotating the front tires to the back and the back tires to the front, motorists can achieve even treadwear on all four tires and increase the mileage and performance. Failing to rotate the tires often results in the front tires wearing out faster while the rear tires develop irregular treadwear patterns that cause vibrations. The same can be said for alignments. When the vehicle is not properly aligned, the tires will wear out faster which leads to increased operating costs.

You may notice when the weather turns colder, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light on your dashboard lights up more frequently. The Car Care Council recommends checking your tire pressure regularly during the winter to help keep the TPMS light off and your vehicle safe.

“It’s typical at this time of year for motorists to get TPMS warnings and then get worried about their tires,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Often drivers will see this in the morning when it’s coldest. If the temperature warms, the light could turn off but it’s likely that tires will still be a few PSI under inflated. This is why it’s important to check tire pressure regularly.”

According to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, for every 10 degree drop in temperature, tire pressure decreases one to two pounds per square inch (PSI). Checking the tire pressure is important for vehicle safety, tire life and gas mileage.

Incorrect tire pressure can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every one PSI drop in pressure of all four tires and improve fuel efficiency by up to 3.3 percent when the correct tire pressure is maintained.

For your next appointment make sure you ask Mesa Auto Works about their new digital inspections! 

They can take photos or videos of issues your vehicle may be having - then send the results of the inspection right to your phone through text or email.

This service is absolutely free!

Click here for more information about Mesa Auto Works

Family Owned and Operated for over 20 years, Mesa Auto Works has built a tradition of quality auto maintenance in Mesa, AZ. Owner Stan Davis has worked in the automotive repair industry since the age of 13 and has climbed the ranks of professionalism and prestige at every shop he’s worked in. After years of learning the craft, he opened his own store and began going to work for his customers directly; Stan Davis has been quoted “I keep quality employees who provide outstanding service. We work hard to achieve personal understanding with every customer regardless of large the business turns out to be."

A differential repair on your vehicle isn’t one of the most common repairs you need done, but they should never be neglected. Your differential system is an exceptionally important part of your vehicle.

Have you ever thought about how your vehicle turns so smoothly? Not many do, and it’s not as easy as it seems!

Car wheels spin at different speeds in various driving situations – such as when your vehicle is turning. Each wheel travels a different distance through a given turn, so inside wheels travel less than the outside wheels.

The Tire Differential Equation

The speed of your wheels turning equals the distance traveled, divided by the amount of time it takes to go that distance.

What this means is that the wheels which travel a shorter distance also need to travel at a lower speed. And, front wheels travel a different distance than rear wheels. Doesn’t sound so easy anymore does it? It IS a lot to comprehend, but when you think about it, it makes sense that a vehicle’s wheel differential needs to be calibrated correctly our else you are definitely going to notice it.

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Click here for more information about Good Works Auto Repair in Tempe

Have a friend or family member that could benefit from H&I Auto Repair's services?

Give them one of their referral cards and you could be the winner of a $100 Visa gift card!

Click here for more information about H&I Automotive in Gilbert

Click here for more information about H&I Automotive in Mesa

Since 2009, H & I Automotive in Gilbert, AZ has provided the region with top-quality automotive repairs and detailing. They dedicate themselves to providing the best service at affordable rates for all makes and models of vehicles. Owner, Spencer Doucet is a GM World-Class Technician, Infiniti Master Technician who will ensure your vehicle is repaired correctly the first time.

Designate A Driver. We all have more parties and celebrations to attend during the holiday season and Bumper to Bumper Radio & Desert Car Care of Chandler want you all to be safe!

Stop by Desert Car Care of Chandler, sign the 'Pledge To Drive Sober,' and receive a complimentary set of windshield wipers and 20% voucher towards up to $100 of services valid until January 31, 2019.

Watch Detective Seth Tyler of the Chandler Police Department visit Desert Car Care of Chandler to share information on extra police enforcement during the holidays.

Click here for more information about Desert Car Care of Chandler

Are you thinking about buying a used car during the holidays? Frank Leutz of Desert Car Care of Chandler shares some tips with ABC15 Arizona's Allison Rodriguez on what to be aware of when looking at a vehicle and making sure something isn't being masked that will cost you later.

Your best bet is to ALWAYS come by Desert Car Care of Chandler for a pre-inspection on the vehicle before you purchase!

Accurate Automotive wants to make sure their customers' vehicles are the SAFEST on the road.

That's why they offer FREE safety inspections AND courtesy checks!

Give them a call to make your appointment at (480) 890-0409

Click here to learn more about Accurate Automotive in Mesa, AZ!

Directions to Accurate Automotive

Read Their Reviews

ATLANTA, Dec. 11, 2018 -- Advancements in car technology are making vehicles safer and easier to drive, and with automakers introducing so many new features, it can be challenging for consumers to know which options matter most. To help car buyers choose the right tech for their next new car, the editors at Autotrader have put together their list of the Best New Automotive Technology for 2019. Safety enhancements and smartphone integrations top this year's list of tech options car shoppers should consider.

"From surround-view cameras to steering avoidance, new technology features can give drivers a better look at what's around them or extra help to prevent collisions," said Tara Trompeter, managing editor for Autotrader. "Car buyers can find many of these technology options in every segment, from sub-compact cars to full-size SUVs, making it worth checking closely to see what's available across different models and brands."

With the latest technology moving into more vehicles every year, car buyers may be surprised at what they find in the recently released 2019 models. The expert editors at Autotrader have highlighted some of their top technology picks that should land on every car buyer's check-list.

Autotrader's Best New Automotive Technology for 2019: